The Wise and the Wherefores

Ruth and Liz in this episode speak to Gemma Simmonds CJ about nun girl summer. They also discuss the tragedy in Nepal, and the Catholicism of Andy Burnham. Sister Liz Dodd was talking in the days running up to taking her final vows as a fully-professed sister in the Sisters of St Joseph of Peace. Sister Gemma has been talking and writing over the summer about the latest social media viral trend, nun girl summer. This includes an article in the latest print issue of The Tablet that you can read here and although it is paywalled, by signing up you can get some articles for free. https://www.thetablet.co.uk/features/nun-girl-summer-you-are-so-good-at-that/

We are now on Substack for free with our twice-weekly newsletters, and in these you can access our latest subscription issue, five issues for just £5. You can also find that offer here.

Sister Liz Dodd CSJP and writer Rhidian Brook both have Lent books out. Easter in Disguise by Liz and Notes on an Execution by Rhidian have both been picked up by parishes around the country to study and think about at Lent group gatherings. Ruth Gledhill is assistant editor of The Tablet, and her own parish is studying Rhidian’s book. Here, she talks to both authors about the enduring Lenten practices that make this time of year so fruitful for all those who are on a Christian journey.

In this bonus episode of The Wise and the Wherefores, Ruth Gledhill and The Tablet’s Plater Trust intern Aili Winstanley Channer went to Archbishop’s House, Westminster to interview Archbishop Richard Moth ahead of his installation as Archbishop of Westminster at the cathedral on Saturday.

‘There’s a word I always put with leadership, which is service,’ Richard Moth told The Tablet in an interview ahead of his installation as Archbishop of Westminster on Saturday. Archbishop Richard Moth said the Church must continue to use her voice to ‘bring the light of the gospel and the light of Christ, into the world we are living in’ at this point in history, in the context of contemporary national and international challenges. He said, ‘This is what the Church has always been about. That never changes. What changes is the circumstance. The circumstance of this year is very different from the circumstance of ten years ago or even two.’

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This is our first podcast of 2026 and we start by discussing Sister Liz’s Lent book, Easter in Disguise, published by Bloomsbury. There will be more on this in our next podcast as well, but basically, Liz believes there is more, lots more, to Lent than giving up chocolate!

For the first time also, we have a guest and we hope that this will be a regular feature of The Wise and the Wherefores as we move forwards into our second season. Where did last year go so fast? So, in this week’s Tablet, our cover is by theologian, writer and Anglican ordinand Theo Hobson. Headlined ‘The dark night of liberalism’, Theo unpacks why the word ‘liberal’ has become associated with a demand for absolute personal autonomy and an unregulated economic free-for-all. Might Christian ideas be what is needed to create a space that brings freedom of conscience together with the common good?

Read Theo’s feature here: https://www.thetablet.co.uk/features/the-dark-night-of-liberalism/

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Buy Easter in Disguise by Sister Liz Dodd CSJP, published by Bloomsbury, from The Tablet Bookshop. Discount available if you cite The Tablet, for the next two months. 020 7799 4064 or email [email protected].

In the latest episode of The Tablet podcast, The Wise and the Wherefores, Ruth Gledhill and Liz Dodd discuss the Westminster succession as well as the latest pronouncement on women deacons. They also talk about how they are both responding to the season of Advent.

Takeaways

The delay in appointing a new Archbishop of Westminster reflects broader vacancies in the church.
Rumours about potential candidates for the Archbishop position include Richard Moth, John Wilson, and Bernard Longley.
The ordination of women deacons remains a contentious issue within the church, with many feeling disappointed by the lack of progress.
There is a growing sentiment that the church is not keeping pace with societal changes regarding women’s roles.
The discussion around the new Archbishop may indicate the church’s priorities under Pope Leo.
Advent is seen as a time for preparation and reflection, with a focus on social justice this year.
Liz’s new book aims to connect Lenten spirituality with social justice themes.
The importance of community and shared experiences in understanding faith is emphasised.
The church's response to women's ordination reflects deeper issues of gender equality within its hierarchy.
The conversation highlights the need for the church to adapt and respond to contemporary issues.

Liz Dodd’s new book, Easter in Disguise, is the 2026 Lent book from Bloomsbury.

In this conversation, Ruth Gledhill and Liz Dodd discuss the recent developments in LGBTQI inclusion within the Church, particularly focusing on the findings from a conference in Amsterdam. They explore the impact of Pope Francis on the acceptance of LGBTQI individuals in the Catholic Church and delve into the implications of Pope Leo's new document, Dilexi te. They also touch on the intersection of technology and morality, the role of women in the church, and personal reflections on how technology influences faith and community.

Takeaways

The Catholic Church in England and Wales is surprisingly inclusive for LGBTQI individuals.

Grassroots movements play a crucial role in fostering inclusivity within the church.

Pope Francis's language has significantly impacted the treatment of LGBTQI Catholics.

Pope Leo's document, Delexi te, is seen as a powerful and radical statement.

The intertwining of finance and hate speech is a growing concern.

The pride flag is viewed as a symbol of identity and devotion, not just politics.

Technology can enhance community support and social justice efforts.

The moral implications of technology, such as AI, are complex and multifaceted.

Women are increasingly taking on leadership roles within the church.

Personal connections to technology can shape our understanding of morality and ethics.

Sound Bites

"England and Wales is among the most inclusive."

"I think technology can be used for human flourishing."

"If your robot vacuum cleaner unionises, great!"

Ruth Gledhill of The Tablet and Liz Dodd, a sister of St Joseph of Peace, discuss the visit to the UK this week of US President Donald Trump, the Royal family, a recent Star Wars retreat in Ireland – and why people are still attracted to the Religious life.

Ruth Gledhill and Sister Liz Dodd discuss the recent election of Pope Leo and the implications of his leadership style for the Catholic Church. They explore initial reactions to his election, the challenges he faces, particularly regarding the Latin Mass, and the significance of women's roles within the Church. The conversation also touches on Sister Liz's upcoming travels, the influence of Chicago on Pope Leo's formation, and the intersection of physical fitness and spirituality in leadership. Additionally, they discuss the importance of fundraising for social justice causes, particularly in light of the current situation in Gaza, and how running serves as a meditative practice for both hosts.

Takeaways:

• Pope Leo's election had a postive reception worldwide.
• His leadership style aims to bridge divides within the Church.
• Women in the Church are increasingly being recognized in leadership roles.
• The Latin Mass remains a contentious issue for Pope Leo's papacy.
• Sister Liz emphasises the importance of community and social justice.
• Physical fitness is intertwined with spiritual well-being.
• Running serves as a form of prayer and meditation for Sister Liz.
• The significance of cathedrals in the Catholic faith is highlighted.
• Pope Leo's background in Chicago may influence his approach to leadership.
• Fundraising for Gaza reflects a commitment to social justice.

To read Liz and Ruth in The Tablet, and the many other writers in news, features, arts, books and more, visit thetablet.co.uk. See our latest subscription offers here.

Ruth Gledhill, assistant editor of The Tablet and Liz Dodd CSJP discuss for the latest Tablet podcast, The Wise and the Wherefores, the legacy of Pope Francis and who might emerge as his successor in the coming conclave.See all our coverage of this hugely significant moment for the Catholic Church and the wider world and sign up for our twice-weekly free newsletters at https://thetablet.co.ukSubscribe at http://thetablet.co.uk/subscribe

In this episode of the Tablet podcast, Ruth Gledhill of The Tablet and Sister Liz Dodd CSJP discuss the recent health concerns surrounding Pope Francis and the implications for the Catholic Church and the world. They explore the transparency of the Vatican regarding the Pope's health, the significance of his leadership in the current political climate, and the role of faith in addressing social issues. The conversation also touches on a new teaching document from the bishops of England and Wales, emphasizing the need for social action and the church's response to contemporary challenges.